Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton, has moved to the defence of Inaki Williams as the forward continues to struggle in front of goal for the national team.

The Athletic Bilbao striker is yet to score in any game for the senior national team since making his debut under Otto Addo in September 2022.

Inaki has played seven games for Ghana across all competitions but his goal drought has raised concerns among Ghanaians.

However, Hughton believes the 28-year-old will eventually score for the Black Stars but people should pay more attention to what he offers the team rather than just goals.

"It’s very much part and parcel of the game. What we know in Inaki is that he is a very good player, playing in a good team in a good league. I think with somebody like Inaki it’s not all about goals. He plays consistently for his team. But I think it’s his contribution in the game; he is a player that makes a lot of runs," he said in a conversation with the GFA Media.

"He stretches the play a bit and sometimes it benefits other players. So I think as regards his goal scoring with us and the Black Stars, it will come but sometimes it doesn’t come as quick as what you want. What is more important for us is his contribution in the game and for the team that is the most important thing."

Inaki will be hoping to get off the mark when the Black Stars and Angola meet again in Luanda for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.